NEW Preview selections from the Orchestra’s 2026-2027 performances at the Kimmel Center. Using audio-visual examples, this class will focus on the forms, instrumentation and other stylistic elements of the music. Understanding great music is much easier when you know what to listen for!

NEW Enjoy an in-depth introduction to the history, context, anecdotes, and “Things to Look For.” Then, see a celebrated, exciting, and somewhat rare film in its entirety. The discussion that follows will be directed more to the total experience rather than technical aspects. All new material for previous students.

NEW Despite his controversial status, Hemingway and his innovative writing style and larger-than-life persona have left an indelible mark on modern literature. He showed that “the best people possess a feeling for beauty, the courage to take risks, the discipline to tell the truth, the capacity for sacrifice. Ironically, their virtues make them vulnerable; they are often wounded, sometimes destroyed.”

NEW Jaws didn’t just qualify as a classic film, it changed the way movies were made. The term “blockbuster” was coined because of it. What makes it so special? What of the visionary Spielberg who virtually became the most successful director on the planet from this one film? Let’s take a deep dive (you’ll need a bigger notebook!) into this shark tale!

Learn simple traditional folk songs and elementary blues on one of America's most popular portable instruments - the harmonica. Cover basic techniques such as bending, trilling, tongue-blocking, vibrato, and wah-wah. Bring a 10-hole diatonic key of C-major harmonica (such as the Hohner Special 20, the Hohner Marine Band Model 1896, or equivalent). Required $10 manual, payable to instructor.

NEW What better time to rediscover Beethoven than now, the upcoming 200th anniversary of his death. Trace his journeyman years mastering the style of Haydn and Mozart, his revolutionary middle period inspired by Napoleon, and the spiritualism of his last years. For newbies and connoisseurs, Beethoven will reanimate your listening with musical demonstrations, spectacular video performances, and large dollops of humor.

Continue our work with the harmonica and focus on the blues. The harmonica's unique sound is integral to the distinctiveness of many great blues bands. Bring a 10-hole diatonic key of C major harmonica (such as the Hohner Special 20, the Hohner Marine Band Model 1896, or equivalent). Required $10 manual, payable to instructor.

NEW Do you ever imagine yourself at a business meeting or a party, holding the listeners spellbound? Stories are the lifeblood of human communication. Strengthen your vocal and writing techniques of story-telling and the exciting aspects of this art. Mr. Newman has been a 30-year consultant to the Pennsylvania Bar Association, coaching attorneys (and sometimes priests and candidates) in the construction and delivery of a story.